Weeks don't come much bigger than this in the PlayStation Nation, with headlines hitting with frightening frequency over the past seven days. Despite being busy, though, it's all been a bit disappointing; October's big PlayStation Plus update looks light, PlayStation 4 firmware update v3.00 proved to be a letdown, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 is riddled with bugs. Better luck next time?
Reviews
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 - 5/10
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 5 had the potential to be awesome. Instead, we're left with a game that's solid but is buried beneath so many issues that it feels like it's still in beta. If you've never been a fan of the franchise, then this one certainly won't win you over. However, die-hard fans yearning for some Pro Skater action will find that, despite all of its problems, there's still some enjoyment to be had here – even if it should have been so much more.
FIFA 16 - 8/10
FIFA 16's rebalanced gameplay makes it the most realistic entry in the series to date, but potentially, that won't sit well with those who prefer the fast, constant, end-to-end thrills of previous instalments. This year's game still plays incredibly well as a whole, though, and by forcing you to rely more on the tactical aspects of the sport, it arguably offers up a more rewarding experience. With so much content on offer, both old and new, alongside its many accessibility options, it's still hard not to recommend FIFA to footy fans of all ages and skill levels.
Other Reviews
- PES 2016: Pro Evolution Soccer - 9/10
- Rayman - 8/10
- Samurai Warriors 4-II - 8/10
- Overruled - 4/10
- Bombing Busters - 6/10
Features
Soapbox: From Pretender to Major Player - Remembering PlayStation's Rise from the Frontlines
As we all know, the PlayStation is 20 years old this week – at least in Europe. Rather than make this a study in retrospect of what truly happened from that glorious month of September 1995 onwards, I've been asked to plunder my own brain for thoughts on the impact made by PlayStation in the UK.
Opinion: PS4 Firmware Update 3.00 Is One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
Sony often gets criticised for being slow to update its console in comparison to the competition, but the reality is that the PlayStation 4 launched in a much better place than people give it credit for. There are obvious tweaks that still need to be made to the user interface to improve it – folders, friends notifications, and so forth – but even on day one the device was slick, snappy, and well designed. However, there's a worry with firmware update v3.00 that rather than iterating upon what it's already got, the manufacturer's starting to mess things up.
Other Features
- Feature: How Comfortable Is PlayStation VR to Wear?
- First Impressions: Dragon Quest Heroes PS4 Is a Monster Masher That Shows a Lot of Promise
- Opinion: Sony's Not Solely to Blame for PS Vita's Demise
- News: A Very Happy 20th Birthday to PlayStation
- Poll: Do You Actually Use the PS4's Social Features?
- Feature: The 10 Best Worst PSone Covers
- Soapbox: PSone Has Just as Much to Offer Today as It Did 20 Years Ago
- Round Up: Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Reviews Climb to the Top
- Feature: 7 Improvements That Make Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection Feel Fresh on PS4
- Poll: FIFA 16 Versus PES 2016 - Which Footy Sim Has Rocketed Into Your Top Corner?
- First Impressions: Shadow of the Beast Is Bloody Brilliant on PS4
- Game of the Month: Top 4 PlayStation Games of September 2015
- Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 87
- Video: Top 4 PlayStation Games - September 2015
- Round Up: Push Square's September 2015 Reviews
News
October's PlayStation Plus Lineup Is Going to P*** People Off
Oh no! Oh no! Batten down the hatches, adopt the foetal position, and keep out of every PlayStation owner's way – because next month's PlayStation Plus update really is a bad one. There's been plenty of criticism pointed at Sony's service over the past 18 months or so, but we've always felt that there have been redeeming qualities to the selections. This time, though, we're struggling to find one.
PS4 Communities Are Already Walking on the Wild Side
We're quite fond of the PlayStation 4's new Communities feature – you can find out how to join the Push Square page through here – but Sony might have known that it wouldn't take long for the addition to be, ahem, corrupted. While there are plenty of legit groups built around forums, favourite bands, and football teams – we also happened upon a few less savoury gatherings while playing around with the fresh firmware update overnight.
Microsoft Just Bought the Tech Powering a Ton of PS4 Games
We're going to assume that the majority of you reading this article have heard of Havok. Even if you don't know what the mysterious technology does, its logo has appeared during the boot sequence of so many titles that we'd be shocked if you haven't seen it before. In the simplest of terms, the engine essentially powers the physics in the majority of games – and it's just been acquired by Microsoft for an undisclosed fee.
What's Hideo Kojima Doing with PS4 Maker Mark Cerny?
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is finished, and if you believe industry gossip, series creator Hideo Kojima is soon to be a free agent. This photograph of the legend posing with PlayStation 4 architect Mark Cerny was certain to draw attention, then. The picture was posted on Twitter earlier today, though the meeting does seem pretty informal.
Sony Really Needs to Stop Teasing Crash Bandicoot's Return
Look at that cake. Just look at the bloody thing. Celebrating PlayStation's 20th anniversary in Europe, Sony's had the delightful desert whipped up in celebration - but did it really have to sit Crash Bandicoot on top of the edible consoles?
Other Noteworthy News
- Nathan Drake Originally Looked Like a Douche
- Your First Look at Yakuza 6 on PS4 Is Impressive
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Cancels Its Stupid Pre-Order Strategy
- Of Course Assassin's Creed Syndicate's Got Microtransactions, You Plum
- Zangief Griefs Street Fighter V on PlayStation 4
Video of the Week
Video: Top 4 PlayStation Games - September 2015
Nothing hacks this video editor off more than preparing for a Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain victory – only for Tearaway: Unfolded to come out of nowhere with its cardboard cuteness and snatch the Game of the Month win. Fortunately, your humble host improvised – stay tuned for footage of Push Square's very own paper-based diorama. It's a humdinger.
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